In the training compound outskirts…
Nyra threw a dagger at the wooden post and cursed when it missed the mark.
"You're aiming like you're mad at the tree," Ronan's voice teased from behind.
Nyra turned, glaring intensely at him. "Maybe I am."
Ronan leaned against a railing, arms crossed lazily over his chest. "You seem tense."
"Do you want me to stab you next?" She snapped, her tone flat
He smirked, tilting his head. "You couldn't."
In two steps, she closed the space between them, her eyes fiercely staring at him.
"Don't tempt me." She hissed.
He didn't back away. Their breaths mingled in the early morning air.
Nyra placed her lips further to his ears seductively. "Seems like someone misses me." She said in a low mischievous tone.
Ronan pulled backward, "Not…really." he fumbled, his eyes betraying him as they lingered on her lips.
"How did you know that you will find me here?" She chuckled
"I didn't- I just felt like taking a walk." He responded calmly.
Nyra raised a brow. "Alright, I'll trust your words." she replied.
"My name is Ronan, thanks for asking, can I know more about you? At least you should have courtesy." Ronan muttered with a slight smile, letting out his hand for a handshake.
Her jaw clenched slightly, "That doesn't seem fair… and I would love to keep that information to myself." She murmured.
Ronan's expression faltered for a few seconds, just enough for Nyra to notice it. "So you expect me to trust you? Just like that…" his tone, a bit serious.
"No I don't," her voice, firm and steady "but given the fact that you came here…. seems like you wanted to see me."
Ronan stared at her, his lips parting like he wanted to say something, but he couldn't argue with her,"You have not answered any of my questions?" he responded calmly.
"You have not asked any questions that require an answer" She folded her arms.
Ronan's brow arched. "Alright, tell me what you know about the Crestone pack?"
Her eyes darkened, something unreadable flashing through them. "Hmm…. Maybe that you all are in danger."
"How do you know that?" he questioned her.
"I just know," she said softly, her voice laced with something hidden.
"So I should just believe your words" He scoffed.
Stepping passed him, "I believe yours, didn't I ?" she retorted.
"Fine, beside the obvious threat of my pack what do you know, like maybe about the rogues" he inquired further.
"There's more to them... anyways I need to go, we will continue our conversation some other time." She whispered, as she walked away.
—
Ronan walked away from the post where he had Nyraa, her last words still echoing in his chest. "Maybe that you all are in danger…" The way she'd said it, calm, almost detached…. sent a chill down his spine.
He shoved his hands into his pockets, brow furrowed as he stepped into the narrow trail cutting back toward the training grounds.
That's when he heard sounds of boots crunching against the dew-damp grass behind him.
"Kai," Ronan said, turning slightly.
Kai, Beta of Crestone Pack, emerged from the path leading from the eastern patrol post, eyes sharp as always. "Ronan? What are you doing this far out? The patrol shift was over an hour ago." His eyes flicked towards the direction Ronan had come from.
"Just…needed some air." Ronan said calmly.
Kai eyed him, his instincts twitching. "You're rarely the type to 'just need air.' What's up?"
Ronan paused, then deflected smoothly. "What's the report from last night's perimeter patrol?"
Kai sighed, running a hand through his ash-blond hair. "Two more rogue sightings, but no attacks this time. They're getting bolder, coming closer."
"That's weird." Ronan sighed tiredly.
"Yeah," Kai said, glancing around. "And what's weird is—they did not try to kill. They are just…watching."
"Scouting," Ronan muttered darkly.
Kai nodded. "Exactly. It's like they're waiting for something or even someone."
A long silence settled between them, tension arising between them.
"I don't like it," Kai added. "It feels off, strategic, organized."
Ronan's jaw tightened. Nyra's words burned in his mind: "Maybe that you all are in danger."
Maybe she knew something. Maybe she was the danger. Or…maybe she was trying to help.
But he couldn't tell Kai. Not yet. Not until he was sure.
"Do you think someone from inside the pack is feeding them information?" Ronan asked, in a casual tone.
Kai stiffened a bit. "You think it's internal?"
"I think it's possible." Ronan voiced out.
"Damn, I hoped I was just being paranoid." Kai growled.
"You're not," Ronan said grimly. "Keep your eyes on everyone. Even the council. Especially the council."
Kai tilted his head. "You sure you're not keeping something from me?" his eyes scanning Ronan.
Ronan offered a slight smile. "Since when do I keep secrets?"
Kai gave him a long look. "Since always." he scoffed.
They both laughed quietly, but the air between them remained charged.
"Be careful, Kai," Ronan said finally, voice lower. "We're not just fighting rogues. We're fighting shadows we can't see yet."
Kai frowned, nodding slowly. "You too."
As they parted ways, Ronan's steps quickened.
If what Nyra hinted at was true, then they were running out of time—and he wasn't sure the pack was ready for what was coming.
—
"Ohh, there you are, I was preparing to leave." Elara said with a gentle smile as she spotted Emery coming back.
Emery tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her back, "Yh, I stepped out for a bit, I needed fresh air and you were still asleep" she let out a faint smile.
"That's fine. I hope you are feeling better?" Elara said, dropping her bag down briefly.
Emery hesitated, her gaze dropped down to the ground for a moment, before letting out a dry laugh, "Haha…. Still trying to figure that," she replied.
Elara stepped closer and placed her hand on Emery's arm, "You need to trust yourself, because what is coming…. You just need to be strong, the pack needs you." she said in a low comforting tone.
"Yes, you have literally said that a million times already." Emery sighed quietly.
"And I'll say it a million more until you believe it," Elara said softly, squeezing her arm before picking up her bag.
A strange silence stretched between them. Emery didn't want her to go, but she knew Elara had her own battles to fight.
"Alright," Elara said, giving a warm but weary smile. "I'll be leaving now. Take good care of yourself, okay?"
Emery's voice came out softer than she intended. "I will. You take care too… and Elara?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you—for everything."
Elara's eyes glistened, but she didn't speak. She simply nodded, then turned and walked out, her scent fading slowly behind her.
Emery stood there for a moment longer, the silence wrapping around her like a second skin. She exhaled deeply and whispered to herself, "Be strong… right."